Electric cars prove to be both handy and sustainable to the city (Chico, CA)

[jpak]

http://www.chicoer.com/newshome/ci_5724959

For anyone who's never driven an electric car before, driving them can be a whole new experience.

Around Chico four electric cars are in the hands of the city of Chico. With no large motor to rattle and rumble, the cars are so quiet it's hard to know the ignition is on until the pedal's pushed. While much slower than their larger-gas-using counterparts — they only go up to 25 or 30 mph — the wide open doors and maneuverability of the cars make the cars feel quite zippy.

But while seemingly a novelty, these electric cars are part of the city's efforts to commit to the environment and saving taxpayer dollars.

Since 2002 the city has acquired four Global Electronic Motor cars — two the city got from a grant in 2002 — and several hybrid cars, said Arturo Coupe, the city's fleet manager. Coupe said the city's 13 hybrid cars and sport utility vehicles are used citywide, from planning staff, to the marked code enforcement hybrid cars, to a hybrid car in the Police Department. He's also in the process at looking at more hybrid vehicles for the coming year.

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[patrice]

1. This is the one I want . . .

http://www.zapworld.com/ZAPWorld.aspx?id=388

I will seriously consider it if I get the job I was interviewed for last week.

[DKRC]

6. Tank: 50 liters (13.21 Gallons) - ??

Is it Hybrid instead of all electric?

OBTW - my daughter is in line behind you on this car. She walked by and came back to say it's Hot and she wants one. :)

[patrice]

8. I thought I posted the link for the electric version.

There are hybrid and an ethanol versions too, hence the tank, I suppose, but I'm not sure what it's for on the electric model.

Starting at 40K, they're a little high, but I was reading about the mechanical simplicity compared to an internal cumbustion engine and maybe that would extend the life of the car to make it more financially reasonable.

When I get mine, I'll post here, so your daughter and I can compare notes.

[DKRC]

11. That makes sense

if they offer different configurations of each vehicle. I bookmarked the site so we can explore it when we have time.

She's 13, so you post, she can dream & drool.
:evilgrin:

[patrice]

12. Good! It'll be cheaper by the time she can afford one.

She'll probably really appreciate the iMobile Carputer, which by that time will probably be able to cook your dinner too.

[DKRC]

She's thinkin ahead.

Told me to "be nice" to you so she can get a sweet deal on yours used.
;)

[Warpy]

2. Range is one of the problems

and charging is time the other. Even with a fast charger, my little electric moped takes an hour and a half to recharge if the battery's flat.
For short hops around the city, though, it is great.

Tesla and Zap are coming out with electric cars with higher speed and longer range.

[patrice]

3. Zap Obvio 012E claims a range of 200 mi. That'll do for me.

And if I want to do a longer road-trip, I'll probably rent something anyway, so I can camp.

[LaPera]

4. This is the car - $90K now, company wants to get them down to the $30 to $40K range.

The car is fitted with a lithium-ion battery pack and a 185kW (248 horsepower) electric motor driving the rear wheels through a clutchless two-speed automatic transmission. The chassis, jointly engineered by Lotus and Tesla, is made of bonded extruded aluminum, with double wishbones at all four corners.

The company says the Roadster can jet from zero to 60 mph in about 4 seconds — supercar territory — and achieves the equivalent of 135 mpg. Top speed is estimated at more than 130 mph. More significantly, Tesla claims the car can run up to 300 miles on a charge — a huge leap over earlier electrics such as General Motors' EV1.

The Roadster comes with a soft top; a body-color hardtop is an extra-cost option. Tesla plans to install a charging station in each owner's garage, but the company will offer an optional portable charging unit so the car basically can plug into any 110V or 220V outlet. A full charge takes as little as three and a half hours.

Environmentalists, take note: Tesla, through its technology partners, also plans to offer a "solar option" that includes installation of solar panels throughout your home to help charge the Roadster while at rest.

Tesla estimates the life of the battery pack at around 100,000 miles.

[wtmusic]

7. Range has just been adjusted down to 200 mi

Here's hoping their other estimates aren't overstated by 50%.

[LaPera]

13. If not....There will be a lot of tow trucks working over-time...

Maybe one can just plug into a "McDonald's", a rest stop or some farmers daughters house on the road...Whatever, the more sold the more problems will be solved and ideas will be created & evolve to make the mileage ever further, and the price will then go down.

Still, the car is a beauty, fast, quiet and efficient. (Just need to get the total mileage between charges a bit longer). That will inevitably happen though as more companies compete.

[wtmusic]

15. IMO the total mileage "problem" isn't much of one

It will cramp your style if you're planning on taking the car on trips.

Realistically, how often do you drive 200 mi in a day? Hardly ever. So you have a second car to take on trips.

[patrice]

9. Boy! Wouldn't is be GREAT to get one of those out on the highway and

scream past a Hummer or two! What FUN!!!

[Marblehead]

5. the more hybrids that are sold

the closer we get to all electric cars. A plug in hybrid would be ideal, all electric for around town with the ability to go long distances. Toyota will have many more hybrid models to choose from.

[patrice]

10. I've read that the ones that use standard 120V outlets can charge

on practically anything, even solar electric panels. Wouldn't that be the deal!

[GreenTea]

14. A real beauty!!

I'm the king of "snarky" when it's appropriate. However, I'm more than optimistic... All technologies reduce their prices as more units are sold (and sabotage too is always lurking when a success becomes a reality), still yet unseen...But, I'm also the first to admit to the facts, that one can't do better than this...when it comes to quiet, energy efficiency and style.....


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